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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Duterte, Wei agree Code of Conduct in South China Sea to ensure lasting peace

Duterte, Wei agree Code of Conduct in South China Sea to ensure lasting peace

Published Sep 12, 2020 12:34 am

President Duterte and Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe agreed that it was important to have a Code of Conduct in the disputed South China Sea as it will ensure lasting peace in the region.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte discusses matters with State Councilor and Minister of National Defense of the People's Republic of China General Wei Fenghe during a meeting at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang on September 11, 2020. TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Duterte met General Wei, who also serves as China's State Councilor, when the latter paid a courtesy call on the Chief Executive at Malacañang on Friday.

In a statement, the Office of the President (OP) said that the two officials underscored the imperative to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

"We must always be guided by our commitments in international law," President Duterte told Wei.

"Any and all disputes must be resolved peacefully in full accord with the UNCLOS and all relevant international instruments," he added.

The President stressed the importance of concluding an effective and substantive Code of Conduct, saying its completion will be an important and lasting legacy of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China in ensuring peace, security, and stability in the area.

While noting the strategic importance of the South China Sea as a vital sea lane where navigational and other freedoms under international law are guaranteed, President Duterte emphasized that "all relevant players with a stake there must see themselves as playing an important stabilizing role."

For his part, Wei said that China is ready to work with the Philippines on maritime cooperation, advance negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, and manage differences in order to secure peace and stability in the South China Sea.

President Duterte is the Country Coordinator of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations.

Meanwhile, the Palace also said that President Duterte welcomed positive developments in Philippines-China defense and security cooperation. He acknowledged China’s continuing support for the Philippines’ defense modernization since 2017.

The President, in particular, cited the signing of the "Protocol between the Department of National Defense of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of National Defense of the People’s Republic of China on China’s Provision of Military Assistance Gratis to the Philippines".

Wei is in Manila as part of a swing tour of ASEAN countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam.

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